Ward 1 (Red Deer Area)

5 To Be Elected

Chris Andrew: No response.

Gabriel Beck: No response.

Ethan Borle: No response.

Matthew Donovan: No response.

John Groenen: I believe that all academic courses, including courses that teach real world skills, should always be prioritized.

Murray Hollman: No response.

Sinead Holstein: No response.

Emily Huber: Schools today are teaching far more than core academics, and I believe it's time for a recalibration. Students deserve the opportunity to truly master foundational subjects like reading, writing, and math. These skills are essential for their confidence, future success, and ability to think critically and discern truth. Teachers also need the freedom and support to focus on teaching. Their plates are overflowing with extras that pull them away from the classroom and from the heart of education—students. I would advocate for reducing unnecessary add-ons so that teachers can spend more time doing what they do best: educating, inspiring, and equipping children with the tools they need to thrive.

Ashley Hunter: I have not reviewed our current budget to properly answer this question. But my opinion on prioritizing core academics is that only a few children will move onto post-secondary school that is based on core academics only. I feel that schools should offer well rounded education and recognize that many children will go into careers that include sports (kinesiology, physio..), trades, arts.... Core academics are necessary for a base to all education, but by using words like prioritize, I worry that this will exclude other forms of education.

Cynthia Leyson: No response.

Brenda MacDonald: No response.

Kim Pasula: No response.

Martin (Marty) Reed: No response.

Rod Steeves: No response.

Ward 2 (Rocky Mountain House), Subdivision 1 (Highway 11)

1 To Be Elected

Catherine (Cathy) Bouchard: No response.

Tatiana Sandberg: I agree it is a priority.

Robert Wiens: No response.

Ward 2 (Rocky Mountain House), Subdivision 2 (QEII)

1 To Be Elected

Carla Turnquist: No response.

Edward Wiper: No response.

Ward 1 (Red Deer Area)

5 To Be Elected

Chris Andrew: No response.

Gabriel Beck: No response.

Ethan Borle: No response.

Matthew Donovan: No response.

John Groenen: I agree that the funding should indeed follow the student.

Murray Hollman: No response.

Sinead Holstein: No response.

Emily Huber: No response.

Ashley Hunter: I feel that a system with private schools could work, but further research and discussion would need to be had regarding government funding. I do feel that there should be legislation and expectations on these private schools, including having all teachers be part of the ATA so that there is a governing organization monitoring their role. As a social worker, I must belong to the College of Social Workers, who I am responsible to as to prevent malpractice.

Cynthia Leyson: No response.

Brenda MacDonald: No response.

Kim Pasula: No response.

Martin (Marty) Reed: No response.

Rod Steeves: No response.

Ward 2 (Rocky Mountain House), Subdivision 1 (Highway 11)

1 To Be Elected

Catherine (Cathy) Bouchard: No response.

Tatiana Sandberg: Very important element

Robert Wiens: No response.

Ward 2 (Rocky Mountain House), Subdivision 2 (QEII)

1 To Be Elected

Carla Turnquist: No response.

Edward Wiper: No response.

Ward 1 (Red Deer Area)

5 To Be Elected

Chris Andrew: No response.

Gabriel Beck: No response.

Ethan Borle: No response.

Matthew Donovan: No response.

John Groenen: I concur that local decision-makers should take responsibility for local decisions.

Murray Hollman: No response.

Sinead Holstein: No response.

Emily Huber: I believe local decision-makers should take responsibility for local decisions. Parents, teachers, and school leaders know the children personally and understand the needs of their community. God calls parents to guide and educate their children (Deuteronomy 6:6–7), and local leadership respects that responsibility. Centralized decisions can sometimes overlook the unique needs of families and students. Local control ensures accountability, flexibility, and a strong partnership between parents and schools, keeping children at the heart of every decision.

Ashley Hunter: I feel that there is a level for each decision. In all forms of government programs, there are decision made federally, provincially, zone, local, school. There is a purpose behind this layout necessary for consistency and flexibility.

Cynthia Leyson: No response.

Brenda MacDonald: No response.

Kim Pasula: No response.

Martin (Marty) Reed: No response.

Rod Steeves: No response.

Ward 2 (Rocky Mountain House), Subdivision 1 (Highway 11)

1 To Be Elected

Catherine (Cathy) Bouchard: No response.

Tatiana Sandberg: Should be responsible for their decision

Robert Wiens: No response.

Ward 2 (Rocky Mountain House), Subdivision 2 (QEII)

1 To Be Elected

Carla Turnquist: No response.

Edward Wiper: No response.

Ward 1 (Red Deer Area)

5 To Be Elected

Chris Andrew: No response.

Gabriel Beck: No response.

Ethan Borle: No response.

Matthew Donovan: No response.

John Groenen: I do believe that parents can find out any information they would like from our board.

Murray Hollman: No response.

Sinead Holstein: No response.

Emily Huber: The current board is absolutely not transparent enough. Parents and taxpayers have the right to know how their hard-earned dollars are being spent. Budgets, costs, including legal fees, and other expenditures should be clearly shared. There is always room to save money at the top so that more funding goes directly into supporting classrooms. That means ensuring there are enough teachers and Educational Assistants to meet children's learning needs, reduce class sizes, and provide the support every child deserves. I want to build stronger connections between parents, schools, and the board, so accountability and transparency are practiced faithfully, with God at the center of all we do. People have the right to know the truth about the school board's spending.

Ashley Hunter: Before running for school board, I never paid attention to this. Thus I do not feel educated enough to answer at this time. But as a trustee I would strive for transparency. If we cannot share the decision, it probably is not the right decision.

Cynthia Leyson: No response.

Brenda MacDonald: No response.

Kim Pasula: No response.

Martin (Marty) Reed: No response.

Rod Steeves: No response.

Ward 2 (Rocky Mountain House), Subdivision 1 (Highway 11)

1 To Be Elected

Catherine (Cathy) Bouchard: No response.

Tatiana Sandberg: We have to execute all decisions with integrity and hold accountable anyone who be no transparent

Robert Wiens: No response.

Ward 2 (Rocky Mountain House), Subdivision 2 (QEII)

1 To Be Elected

Carla Turnquist: No response.

Edward Wiper: No response.

Ward 1 (Red Deer Area)

5 To Be Elected

Chris Andrew: No response.

Gabriel Beck: No response.

Ethan Borle: No response.

Matthew Donovan: No response.

John Groenen: Yes I can.

Murray Hollman: No response.

Sinead Holstein: No response.

Emily Huber: I absolutely will, yes. Parents have the God-given right to know about decisions that affect their children. Transparency and accountability are essential, and families should never be kept in the dark by policy. Keeping parents informed not only protects children but also builds trust between parents and schools, ensuring a strong partnership in education.

Ashley Hunter: As a social worker, I know that majority of parents want what is best for their children, but I also know that there are parents and guardians who do not. Is risking a few children worth it to the majority?

Cynthia Leyson: No response.

Brenda MacDonald: No response.

Kim Pasula: No response.

Martin (Marty) Reed: No response.

Rod Steeves: No response.

Ward 2 (Rocky Mountain House), Subdivision 1 (Highway 11)

1 To Be Elected

Catherine (Cathy) Bouchard: No response.

Tatiana Sandberg: I believe I could make wise decisions

Robert Wiens: No response.

Ward 2 (Rocky Mountain House), Subdivision 2 (QEII)

1 To Be Elected

Carla Turnquist: No response.

Edward Wiper: No response.

Ward 1 (Red Deer Area)

5 To Be Elected

Chris Andrew: No response.

Gabriel Beck: No response.

Ethan Borle: No response.

Matthew Donovan: No response.

John Groenen: If the provincial curriculum mandates that it be taught in class, then there is no need to inform parents. If it is not mandated, then yes, parents should absolutely be informed.

Murray Hollman: No response.

Sinead Holstein: No response.

Emily Huber: Yes, parents should absolutely be informed before topics like abortion or sexual assault are covered in school. These are highly sensitive subjects, and families should be fully aware ahead of time, with signed consent forms so parents can guide their children or opt out all together. Children should be encouraged to stand on the Word of God, to trust in the Lord, and to seek Him and His perfect plan for their lives—especially regarding marriage and having children. Faith-based schools should stand firm on God's Truth.

Ashley Hunter: I am running for a Trustee of a Catholic school board. As a parent in a Catholic school, I know the catholic stance on all of the above. I would hope anyone putting their children into a Catholic system would also know the stance on this and if they have alternative views of the Catholic system, then they would provide this education at home.

Cynthia Leyson: No response.

Brenda MacDonald: No response.

Kim Pasula: No response.

Martin (Marty) Reed: No response.

Rod Steeves: No response.

Ward 2 (Rocky Mountain House), Subdivision 1 (Highway 11)

1 To Be Elected

Catherine (Cathy) Bouchard: No response.

Tatiana Sandberg: Yes, parents should be informed

Robert Wiens: No response.

Ward 2 (Rocky Mountain House), Subdivision 2 (QEII)

1 To Be Elected

Carla Turnquist: No response.

Edward Wiper: No response.

Ward 1 (Red Deer Area)

5 To Be Elected

Chris Andrew: No response.

Gabriel Beck: No response.

Ethan Borle: No response.

Matthew Donovan: No response.

John Groenen: Absolutely.

Murray Hollman: No response.

Sinead Holstein: No response.

Emily Huber: Yes, absolutely. Program and course development must be transparent so parents know how decisions are made and resources are used. Courses should focus on clear knowledge outcomes, ensuring children learn essential skills while keeping their growth and learning at the heart of every decision.

Ashley Hunter: I think a course should be transparent and have a clearly defined outcome, be it a knowledge or skill. Any program or course should have a clear proposal provided that explains the issue identified (in a school system this would be missing education), plan of how you will teach this program, and outcome expected of the education.

Cynthia Leyson: No response.

Brenda MacDonald: No response.

Kim Pasula: No response.

Martin (Marty) Reed: No response.

Rod Steeves: No response.

Ward 2 (Rocky Mountain House), Subdivision 1 (Highway 11)

1 To Be Elected

Catherine (Cathy) Bouchard: No response.

Tatiana Sandberg: yes, as long as curriculum is appropriate

Robert Wiens: No response.

Ward 2 (Rocky Mountain House), Subdivision 2 (QEII)

1 To Be Elected

Carla Turnquist: No response.

Edward Wiper: No response.

Ward 1 (Red Deer Area)

5 To Be Elected

Chris Andrew: No response.

Gabriel Beck: No response.

Ethan Borle: No response.

Matthew Donovan: No response.

John Groenen: I believe that once students get to the middle school level, all academic courses should be letter or percentage graded.

Murray Hollman: No response.

Sinead Holstein: No response.

Emily Huber: Both are important. Letter grades and percentages give clear, measurable results, while targeted feedback helps parents understand how to support their child's learning and growth. Together, they provide transparency and encourage strong partnerships between parents and teachers.

Ashley Hunter: As I have children in elementary school, middle school, and high school, I would prefer percent or letter grades vs "descriptive grading". With all three children, I have struggled to understand how they are doing in elementary school (only one who uses descriptive grading). I can understand the goal of descriptive grading, but as a parent I found it confusing. Maybe a mixed program would work that explains the description to parents (example: basic is equivalent to 50-60%?)

Cynthia Leyson: No response.

Brenda MacDonald: No response.

Kim Pasula: No response.

Martin (Marty) Reed: No response.

Rod Steeves: No response.

Ward 2 (Rocky Mountain House), Subdivision 1 (Highway 11)

1 To Be Elected

Catherine (Cathy) Bouchard: No response.

Tatiana Sandberg: We have to bring honest, description of the grade

Robert Wiens: No response.

Ward 2 (Rocky Mountain House), Subdivision 2 (QEII)

1 To Be Elected

Carla Turnquist: No response.

Edward Wiper: No response.

Ward 1 (Red Deer Area)

5 To Be Elected

Chris Andrew: No response.

Gabriel Beck: No response.

Ethan Borle: No response.

Matthew Donovan: No response.

John Groenen: Yes, I agree that there are an appropriate number of PD days for teachers in our division.

Murray Hollman: No response.

Sinead Holstein: No response.

Emily Huber: Yes, RDCRS has a sufficient number of professional development days. However, PD days should be practical and meaningful, catering to where teachers need support and resources, bringing realistic improvements to the classroom and helping teachers better support their students. Each PD day shouldn't look the same for every single school or every grade. They should be based on classroom needs.

Ashley Hunter: I would like to look further into what is all covered on professional development days and the benefits. As well as what are the expectations on teachers for those days? We have had the same amount for as long as my children have attended the local schools. I don't know enough about these days to comment on if there are enough or too many.

Cynthia Leyson: No response.

Brenda MacDonald: No response.

Kim Pasula: No response.

Martin (Marty) Reed: No response.

Rod Steeves: No response.

Ward 2 (Rocky Mountain House), Subdivision 1 (Highway 11)

1 To Be Elected

Catherine (Cathy) Bouchard: No response.

Tatiana Sandberg: In my opinion, we have too many development days for teachers, which is costly and harmful to our children's

Robert Wiens: No response.

Ward 2 (Rocky Mountain House), Subdivision 2 (QEII)

1 To Be Elected

Carla Turnquist: No response.

Edward Wiper: No response.

Ward 1 (Red Deer Area)

5 To Be Elected

Chris Andrew: No response.

Gabriel Beck: No response.

Ethan Borle: No response.

Matthew Donovan: No response.

John Groenen: I fully support the teachers. Classroom dynamics have drastically changed in the last few decades. While the salaries for teachers have also suffered with zero or nominal increases that were far less than inflation, the teachers have made it clear that the strike is about working conditions and about honoring the students. The government has given lip service to what they say they will do to help education in Alberta, they have given no specifics about when their promises will be implemented. For example, they are saying they will build 130 new schools. I fully support this but they fail to say how many schools are also being closed due to old age or when these schools will actually be built (this year, within 5 years, 10 years, or when exactly?).

Murray Hollman: No response.

Sinead Holstein: No response.

Emily Huber: Inflation and the cost of living have hit an all-time high in Red Deer. Teachers haven't had a raise in years on the grid pay. Teachers have always been well paid, but yes, they deserve a raise. EAs deserve a huge raise as well. When I taught in Red Deer, I couldn't believe how small EAs' salaries were each month for how hard they work. Paying teachers more won't fix the root cause of overflowing class sizes, the need for extra EA support, and the urgent requirement for more teachers to be hired. The budget needs to be used more efficiently and focus on staffing to meet student needs and ensure everyone's success. However, is this strike a reason for people to associate the UCP government negatively with it, in order for Liberals to gain votes again in the next provincial election? The ATA leans left, and they are encouraging this strike. This makes me question, what are the ATA's motives and agenda behind this strike?

Ashley Hunter: As a union Rep in my regular job, I understand how unions work, as well as the process of strike and reason for strike. I also understand that not only are teachers looking for livable wages, but they are also looking for more classroom supports including class sizes, more TA's... While strikes cause a lot of issues including loss of education, stress on parents, and financial strain on many, I also support the rights of the teachers to strike and fight for what they feel is right.

Cynthia Leyson: No response.

Brenda MacDonald: No response.

Kim Pasula: No response.

Martin (Marty) Reed: No response.

Rod Steeves: No response.

Ward 2 (Rocky Mountain House), Subdivision 1 (Highway 11)

1 To Be Elected

Catherine (Cathy) Bouchard: No response.

Tatiana Sandberg: I understand our teachers' frustration, and the decision made to go on strike I believe we need more help in the classroom, we need fewer children in the same classroom and money used wisely for programs, raise . Also, I believe it is time for kids to go back to their schedule and back to school to Continue curriculum.

Robert Wiens: No response.

Ward 2 (Rocky Mountain House), Subdivision 2 (QEII)

1 To Be Elected

Carla Turnquist: No response.

Edward Wiper: No response.